SMMT statement on Brexit vote

The Society of Motor Manufacturers has commented ahead of tonight’s meaningful vote in Parliament on Theresa May’s Brexit deal.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive said, ‘As MPs prepare to vote on the government’s Brexit deal, we urge them to remember they hold the future of the British automotive industry – and the hundreds and thousands of jobs it supports – in their hands.

‘Brexit is already causing us damage, in output, costs and jobs, but this does not compare with the catastrophic consequences of being cut adrift from our biggest trading partner overnight. The Just-in-Time nature of automotive means the impact of ‘no deal’ will be felt, not in months or weeks, but hours. A managed ‘no deal’ is a fantasy – we would face immediate delivery shortages, disruption, additional costs and uncertainty. Both government and parliament have a responsibility to take ‘no deal’ off the table or risk destroying this vital UK industry.’

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